Local News

Boy killed in Diagonal Highway accident wasn't wearing seat belt

Driver, six other passengers injured

Times-Call staff

Posted:
08/24/2013 08:28:28 AM MDT

Updated:
08/24/2013 07:10:33 PM MDT

A 7-year-old boy, identified by relatives as Vincente Nunez, was killed Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, in a vehicle accident at the intersection of Colo. Highway 119 and Mineral Road in Boulder County.
(Courtesy KMGH)

The 7-year-old boy who was killed in a Friday night single-vehicle crash on Colo. Highway 119 was not wearing a safety belt, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

CSP is continuing its investigation of the crash at the intersection of the Colo. 119 and Mineral Road in Boulder County, but says alcohol is suspected as being a factor.

The boy, whose identity has not yet been released by the Boulder County Coroner, but has been identified to KMGH by family as Vincente Nunez, was riding in the cargo area of a 1996 Ford Explorer and was partially ejected during the rollover accident, according to Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Mike Baker.

"There is no excuse for operating a vehicle without having their children restrained," Baker said.

The boy killed in the accident was Nunez-Luna's son, according to Baker, and all of those riding in the vehicle were related.

He was pronounced dead at Boulder Community Hospital.

The Ford Explorer, driven by 41-year-old Manual Nunez-Luna of Longmont, was northbound on Colo. 119 and approaching a red light at the intersection of Colo. Highway 52 at 9:22 p.m. The vehicle traveled through a red light and into the intersection before swerving to avoid crossing traffic, Baker said in a Saturday morning news release.

Although the Ford Explorer did not collide with any other vehicles, it rolled onto its left side.

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Nunez-Luna, the driver, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. His other passengers -- 36-year-old Yadira Silva, 19-year-old Mary Cruz-Lopez and four children ages 5 through 15, all from Longmont, also sustained minor injuries, Baker said.

A booking log for the Boulder County Jail shows a 41-year-old Manuel Nunez Jr. who was arrested by the state patrol on suspicion of DUI at 3:05 a.m. Saturday.

The passengers' seat belt use is under investigation, although at least two of the children, including the fatally injured boy, were not restrained, Baker said. Charges are pending.Baker said the Colorado State Patrol reminds motorists that all children must be restrained properly in car seats or booster seats or by seat belts, depending upon their ages, when riding in a motor vehicle.

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